Extra Services

Marine admits raping woman at beginning of trial

Date Posted: 2003-08-02

A Marine Corps enlisted man charged with rape has admitted his guilt on the first day of his trial. The lance corporal admitted that he raped and beat a woman in an alley in Kin Town in May. Prosecutors told the Naha District Court that Jose Torres, 21, who is stationed at Camp Hansen, hit the woman on the face, grabbed her hair, forced her onto a staircase and raped her, on May 25. The woman suffered a broken nose and other injuries that required three weeks to heal.

The accused initially denied any wrongdoing when he was arrested June 18, but later admitted to the charges. Committing rape resulting in injury can carry a minimum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Although Torres initially denied the charges, he reportedly had second thoughts about the matter and decided to confess. “I could not bring myself to look straight at the fact that I committed a rape. But then I had thought it over and decided that it is good to tell the truth for the victim, Japanese people, and Marine Corps,” Torres reportedly said to prosecutors.

Cross examination in the case is scheduled for the next hearing on Aug 13, after which the case is scheduled to end. The defense lawyer representing Torres is reportedly considering compensation for the victim.